From:Rocky Hill War Memorial Museum
Name/TitleSignalling Telescope Mk VI (Aust), Australian Optical Co. Ltd., 1943, with Leather Carrying Case, and a Spare Lens.
About this objectBrass military signalling telescope manufactured by Australian Optical Co. Ltd. in 1943. The telescope is marked "TELESCOPE SIGNALLING MK. VI (AUST)", Serial No. 137, and was produced during the Second World War for military observation and visual communications. Telescopes of this pattern were used by naval personnel, signal units, coastal observers and harbour defence installations to observe and interpret signal flags, semaphore signals and other visual communications over long distances.
The telescope features a collapsible brass draw-tube construction and is engraved with the manufacturer's details and date of manufacture. Brown leather carrying case designed to house a Telescope Signalling Mk VI (Aust).
The cylindrical case incorporates a spare lens, a leather carrying strap and closure system. A smaller cylindrical leather accessory case, attached to the strap, is intended to store telescope components or accessories. The case formed part of a military optical equipment set manufactured and issued during the Second World War.
The Signalling Telescope Mk VI was a military optical instrument designed for long-distance visual observation and communications. Similar telescopes were used throughout the British Commonwealth armed forces from the early twentieth century and remained in service during the Second World War. Australian-made examples were manufactured to meet wartime demand when imported optical equipment became difficult to obtain. The telescope would have been suitable for use by signal sections, naval personnel, coastwatchers and harbour defence units.
MakerAustralian Optical Co. Ltd.
Maker RoleManufacturer
Date Made1943
Period20th-century
Place MadeAustralia
Place NotesSydney and Melbourne
Medium and MaterialsBrass
Glass
Leather
Metal fittings
Style and IconographyEquipment
Inscription and MarksEngraved on telescope tube:
TELESCOPE SIGNALLING MK. VI (AUST)
SERIAL NO. 137
V
1943
AUSTRALIAN OPTICAL CO. LTD.
TechniqueLeatherworking/Optical lens manufacture
Measurements280mm x 285mm
Extended length: 760mm x 210mm
Spare lens: 40mm x 30mm
Subject and Association KeywordsSignalling equipment
Subject and Association KeywordsWorld War ll
Subject and Association KeywordsRoyal Australian Navy (RAN)
Subject and Association KeywordsTelescope
Object TypeMilitary telescopes
Object number2026.1086.1-3
Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved
